Marine protected areas and local coastal conservation and management in Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper focuses on the role of marine parks and reserves in the conservation of Hong Kong's coastal environment. This environment is under serious threat as a result of pollution of marine waters and habitat loss associated with urbanisation, large‐scale reclamation projects, and inadequate treatment and disposal of sewage and industrial effluents. The paper discusses whether in a highly urbanised and stressed environment like Hong Kong, which currently lacks a conservation strategy and an overall framework for handling sustainability issues, small marine parks and reserves can be effective in helping to conserve local biodiversity. The paper also suggests that Hong Kong should adopt a broader regional perspective on its coastal conservation and management problems, a perspective that recognises the significance for the territory of the rapid urban and industrial development taking place in neighbouring Guangdong Province. This will require more extensive and focused liaison with Chinese agencies.